PSG 'won't sell to a rival' as Arsenal pursue Bradley Barcola in summer window

Arsenal’s pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola faces a significant obstacle, with former Gunners midfielder Stefan Schwarz cautioning that PSG have little appetite to sell players to clubs competing against them in the Champions League.

Schwarz, who made over 100 appearances for Arsenal in the late 1990s, told Mirror Football that the Ligue 1 champions are unlikely to do business with clubs of Arsenal’s standing in Europe. “There are some [targets] — some play in PSG, if we talk,” he said. “But I don’t think they will sell to a rival who competes for Champions League titles.”

The warning comes off the back of a remarkable 2025/26 season for Arsenal, in which Mikel Arteta guided the club to its first Premier League title since 2004. The Gunners also reached the Champions League final in Budapest, where they fell to PSG on penalties — 4-3 in the shootout — despite being widely regarded as the superior side on the night.

Schwarz, 57, acknowledged that Arsenal’s defensive solidity was the foundation of their title-winning campaign. “That’s why Arsenal won the league — they were solid in defence and a good goalkeeper as well,” he said. “A fantastic goalkeeper. They give you confidence and trust as defenders.”

However, the former Sweden international believes Arteta’s side must sharpen their attacking edge to remain competitive at the highest level. “I believe Arsenal could be more threatening when they attack more clinically,” Schwarz said. “We need to bring in some with striking power, clinical finishing to get another level. You always need to improve, even as a champion.”

Barcola, 22, has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting wide forwards after a prolific season in Paris, and Arsenal are understood to be among several clubs monitoring the French international. But with PSG determined not to aid their Champions League rivals, any deal appears far from straightforward.

Arsenal’s summer business has been slow to gather momentum, and the Barcola situation underlines the complexity of the market they are navigating as reigning Premier League champions.